[holding answer 2 March 2007]: The Department’s single equality scheme sets out the way in which the Department intends to meet its duties under the Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000, the Disability Discrimination Act 2005 and the Sex Discrimination Act 1975 as amended by the Equality Act 2006. The Department will also progress action on religion or belief, sexual orientation and age through this scheme.
This single equality scheme outlines how the Department will address the various aspects of the three duties, including the gender equality duty, specified in the legislation. This includes specific gender strategy and action plans and the way in which the Department will conduct its equality impact assessments (EqlAs). Information gathering to support EqlAs will including monitoring data, consultation processes and research.
Implementation of the scheme will be monitored as part of the mainstream business planning process. Progress will be reported to the Permanent Secretary and the lead Minister of State for Health with responsibility for equality and human rights, the Departmental Management Board and the Corporate Management Committee on a six-monthly basis by the Director of Equality and Human Rights.
The Department has established a gender advisory group to
advise the Department on current health and inequality trends,
provide consultative forum on outward facing policy initiatives that impact on the national health service,
review and monitor implementation of policy as a critical friend, and
work with stakeholders and partners to commission research and organise awareness raising events across the NHS.